Legal Counsel

1. Are you an experienced Legal Counsel eager to join an intergovernmental agency and drive significant legal and regulatory advancements?
2. Subject to exchange rates, you will receive an excellent salary package starting at US $109,880 (tax-free for citizens in most countries!) plus repatriation allowances & retention incentives!
3. Enjoy relocation & accommodation assistance, six weeks of annual leave, return airfares & many more benefits!

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to strengthening national capacity and regional solidarity so Pacific nations can manage, control, and develop their tuna fisheries now and into the future.

Headquartered in Honiara, Solomon Islands, FFA’s 17 member countries are Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Since 1979, FFA has led regional cooperation to ensure Pacific countries benefit from the sustainable use of tuna resources – now worth over USD $3 billion annually and essential to economic development, food security, and livelihoods across the region.

Through high-level policy leadership, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships, FFA plays a central role in protecting one of the world’s most valuable and strategically important fisheries resources.

Please visit our website here for more information about our work and current projects.

About the Opportunity

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency is looking for a full-time Legal Counsel based in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Reporting to the Director-General and Deputy Director-General, this role is responsible for delivering strategic legal advice, leading the Legal Unit, and supporting member countries on international fisheries law and governance.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Providing high-level legal and policy advice to FFA and Member governments
2. Leading, monitoring, and strengthening the performance of the Legal Unit
3. Developing and implementing robust legal and regulatory frameworks
4. Leading and supporting high-level international negotiations and legal advocacy
5. Advising on international fisheries law, governance, and emerging areas including intellectual property and corporate law
6. Strengthening national fisheries legislation across Member countries

Please note: Applicants must provide a cover letter, a completed application form and a current CV/Resume. (All applications must be sent via email to recruitment@ffa.int Refer to the Instructions below)

What You Will Bring

To qualify, you will need a Master of Laws (LLM) specialising in international fisheries law (or equivalent). A minimum of 8 years’ experience providing legal advice on fisheries within a government department or regional fisheries organisation, including at least 3 years in a managerial role, will also be essential.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

1. Strong expertise in international fisheries law and governance frameworks
2. Understanding of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing issues
3. Knowledge of Pacific regional fisheries management challenges
4. Experience in policy development and legal drafting
5. Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex legal programs

As our ideal candidate, you are a strategic and analytical legal professional with exceptional communication skills and sound judgement. You bring professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to supporting regional collaboration and sustainable fisheries outcomes.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced legal leader to influence international fisheries policy and contribute to meaningful, long-term impact across the Pacific region.

Please Note: Previous experience living and/or working in the Pacific Region is desirable

Remuneration and Benefits

Compensation based on skills and experience includes a competitive tax-free salary starting at circa US$109,880, alongside a comprehensive range of benefits including:

1. Superannuation at 7.5%, paid into your nominated fund or as a cash supplement
2. Full Reimbursement of medical, dental, and optical expenses for you and dependents
3. Comprehensive Insurance including life, personal accident, medical, and repatriation cover
4. Education Allowance covering 75% of tuition fees for dependent children (conditions apply)
5. Paid school travel for dependents educated overseas
6. Accommodation Assistance in Honiara
7. Relocation Expenses and an Establishment Grant on arrival
8. Annual Return Airfares to your home country
9. Repatriation Allowance equivalent to two weeks’ base salary at end of contract
10. Retention Bonus of 21% of base salary, paid at end of the 3-year contract
11. 6 weeks Annual Leave per year

This is an exceptional international package designed to support both your professional growth and lifestyle transition.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are ready to take on a regionally impactful legal leadership role and contribute to the sustainable management of one of the world’s most valuable fisheries resources - APPLY NOW!

Application Process

This position requires a formal application process in accordance with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s recruitment procedures.

In order to be considered, applicants must provide:

1. Cover Letter
2. A completed copy of the Application Form
3. A copy of your CV/Resume

All applications must be sent via email to recruitment@ffa.int